Warm greetings from BIMP-EAGA!

In recent years, community-based ecotourism has become one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry. Ecotourism and all nature related forms of tourism are estimated to account for at least 6% of global tourist arrivals, or roughly 53 million. The ASEAN region contributes about 7% of global ecotourism, with the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) sub region accounting for about a sixth of this share. These numbers point to a robust outlook for international tourism and strong prospects for the ecotourism sector, particularly in areas with rich natural biodiversity such as BIMP-EAGA.

The market prospects for ecotourism are, indeed, very encouraging. But how do we take better advantage of these prospects? How do we strike a balance between the growth of ecotourism and the sustainable management of our nature-based resources? How do we increase our competitiveness in this high growth sector? What are the issues and challenges we need to face in ecotourism development? What lessons can be drawn from best practices and experiences in ecotourism development? You can find out the answers to these and other questions by participating in the first ever BIMP-EAGA Community-Based Ecotourism Conference in Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia on 30 October to 1 November 2008. Adopting the theme “Driving Growth and Poverty Alleviation through Community-Based Ecotourism in BIMP-EAGA”, the three-day event is expected to result in increased awareness and appreciation by the national and local governments, local communities and the private sector of the benefits and costs and approaches to developing community-based ecotourism in the sub region, as well as in agreed measures to address the key constraints to the development of community-based ecotourism projects in the area. It expects to draw the participation of around 200 public and private sector policymakers, practitioners and other stakeholders in the tourism and allied industries in BIMP-EAGA and surrounding regions.

As can be seen in the attached flyer, the conference has a lot in store for you in terms of plenary sessions addressing various exciting topics by internationally renowned resource persons in the fields of tourism, sustainable management of terrestrial and marine resources, policymaking, marketing and capacity building. A special feature of the conference is an ecotourism exhibition that will showcase ecotourism destinations, products, technology, and institutional services.

As an important stakeholder of this industry, we are inviting you to participate in this exciting landmark event. For more information and details, please contact: